Blue Marlin Diving Center Hurghada
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Sahl Hasheesh · Egypt · Red Sea
Max. depth · 20 mRas Disha, Marsa Alam: Diving an Aquarium-like Reef
Descend into Ras Disha, a natural bay near Marsa Alam, and discover a vibrant fringing reef that feels like a living aquarium, sheltered from the open Red Sea.
What makes this site special
- Sheltered bay environment for calm dives
- Shallow sandy plateau with coral pinnacles
- Dense coral block resembling an aquarium
- North-western drop-off with changing topography
- Encounters with giant groupers and triggerfish
- Observation of crocodilefish and scorpionfish
- Diverse schools of reef fish, including glassfish
- Accessibility for divers of all experience levels
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Ras Disha about the site
Ras Disha, often referred to as Torfa Ras Disha or Disha Malagk, offers a distinct Red Sea diving experience, characterized by its natural sheltered bay. This protection from prevailing winds creates a calm environment, ideal for exploring the rich marine life that congregates around its fringing reef. The dive begins over a shallow plateau, extending across a sandy bottom, where scattered coral pinnacles rise like submerged islands, each teeming with activity. The initial descent is gentle, allowing you to gradually acclimate to the vibrant underwater world unfolding before you.
As you continue your exploration of Ras Disha, the southern section reveals a substantial coral block, so densely populated with marine life that it truly embodies the feeling of an underwater aquarium. Here, schools of glassfish shimmer in the dimming light, momentarily obscuring the intricate coral structures behind them. Bannerfish (Heniochus diphreutes) and butterflyfish (Chaetodon spp.) flit gracefully between the coral heads, their vibrant colours a constant spectacle. This central feature acts as a magnet for a diverse array of reef inhabitants, making it a compelling focus for any diver.
Venturing towards the north-western side of the site, the topography shifts noticeably. The shallow plateau gradually narrows, transforming into a dramatic drop-off, or 'tombant.' This wall provides a different perspective on the reef's structure and the species it supports, offering opportunities to observe creatures that prefer deeper, more vertical habitats. Here, larger species often patrol the edge of the blue, drawn by the currents that can sometimes sweep along the drop-off, bringing nutrients and smaller prey.
The resident fauna at Ras Disha is remarkably rich and varied, ensuring that every dive presents new encounters. Beyond the myriad of reef fish, you can expect to spot formidable giant groupers (Epinephelus lanceolatus) lurking in the shadows of the coral formations. Triggerfish (Balistidae spp.) often dart protectively around their territories, while various species of parrotfish (Scaridae spp.) and surgeonfish (Acanthuridae spp.) graze industriously on the algae-covered surfaces. Keep an eye out for the stealthy crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti), perfectly camouflaged against the sandy patches, and the intricately patterned scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae spp.), masters of disguise.
Diving Ras Disha: the marine life you’ll meet
Goliath grouperEpinephelus itajaraElectric rayTorpedinidaeTentacled flatheadPapilloculiceps longicepsBannerfishHeniochusGlassfishAtherinidaeSurgeonfishAcanthuridaeTriggerfishBalistidaeButterflyfishChaetodonTunaThunnusParrotfishCalotomusScorpionfishScorpaenidaeJackCarangidae
See 1 more species
Diving conditions
Ras Disha is an exceptionally accessible site, welcoming divers of all levels, from beginners to more experienced enthusiasts. Depths at the site range comfortably from 3 metres down to 20 metres, making it ideal for extended bottom times and thorough exploration. The sheltered nature of the bay typically ensures calm waters, offering a relaxed and enjoyable diving experience.
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Frequently asked questions about Ras Disha
What level of diver is Ras Disha suitable for?
Ras Disha welcomes divers of all experience levels, from beginners to more experienced enthusiasts. Its sheltered bay typically provides calm water, while the gentle descent over a shallow sandy plateau allows you to acclimate gradually. The site also offers changing terrain at the north-western drop-off for further exploration.
How deep can you dive at Ras Disha?
At Ras Disha, depths range from three metres to twenty metres. You begin over a shallow sandy plateau with scattered coral pinnacles, then can explore deeper terrain toward the north-western drop-off. This range supports extended bottom times and allows you to investigate both shallow coral features and deeper vertical habitats.
What currents should you expect at Ras Disha?
Ras Disha lies within a sheltered bay, so the water is typically calm and suitable for relaxed diving. Currents can sometimes sweep along the north-western drop-off, where they bring nutrients and smaller prey. Conditions therefore vary across the site, with the drop-off offering a more dynamic environment than the protected bay.
What can you see while diving Ras Disha?
At Ras Disha, you can see coral pinnacles, a dense coral block surrounded by glassfish, bannerfish and butterflyfish, plus diverse reef fish. Look for giant groupers, triggerfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, crocodilefish and scorpionfish. The north-western drop-off adds changing topography and habitats for species that prefer deeper, more vertical reef areas.
